Scotland Yard suffered a new race blow today as three officers were put on restricted duties and referred to the police watchdog over alleged racist comments to colleagues.

The action against two Pcs and an acting sergeant in Newham follows complaints about their conduct between January and March.

It comes as Met Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe vowed to get to the bottom of “very damaging” footage of another officer apparently racially abusing a man and a further officer allegedly assaulting a teenage boy last summer at an east London police station.

Announcing today’s move, the Met said the three officers faced serious allegations and that “robust action” would be taken if they were proved. “Three MPS officers based in Newham have been placed on restricted duties and a voluntary referral made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission following allegations of racist comments being made within a group of officers,” it said in a statement.

The incidents were reported to Scotland Yard bosses on 19 March, prompting an investigation which led to today’s referral to the IPCC.

Commander Peter Spindler, from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, said: “These are serious allegations that are being thoroughly investigated so that robust action can be taken if proven.” Today’s action by the Met follows a pledge by Mr Hogan-Howe not to “stand for any racism or racists”.

Former police commander Ali Dizaei is seeking a six-figure payout from the Met for alleged race discrimination. The 49-year-old today launched employment tribunal proceedings just weeks after being released from prison.